Wings of Eagles

Mosaic Monday

2012-01-30T13:06:00.003-05:00

Our hostess, Mary, has inspired us to consider our anticipation for spring, and with these bright and glorious days, spring couldnt be far away!

Visit Mary at the Little Red House for more Mosaic Monday!!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2012-01-30T12:16:00.001-05:00

FOR TODAY January 30, 2012

Outside my window...so much sunshine, blindingly glorious sunshine!

I am thinking...how happy I will will be when this tummy virus decides to cease and depart from me....

I am thankful..for my dear dear hubby... I can never say enough about how wonderfully caring and sweet he is to me!

In the kitchen... Lynn is clanging about washing the dishes... he just made me a lovely breakfast and is now cleaning up the kitchen....

I am wearing...still in my jammies, and snuggy white terry robe and wool socks.... trying to stay warm...

I am creating...nothing much this week!

I am going... be thankful as well that the calendar was clear today and I am able to just rest and recuperate!

I am wondering..my mind is full of things i could wonder about but today I have pushed it all back and will just keep my mind as clear as possible!

I am reading...

Ann Voskamp's One Thousand Gifts

This book is such a treasure to me... I rad it slowly to savor every nuance and figurative speech,.. the author has such gifts of expression!
Book of James

I am hoping..to learn all the things the Lord is teaching me through each new day... he definitely has my attention!

I am looking forward to. the day when all the struggles that have beset our family lately will be behind us.....

I am learning...to take all my afflictions and count it all joy.... for trials come of many kinds to teach us patience and perseverance.... it is how we manage and overcome that truly matters... and God's Word tells us if we stay on the right track with Him there is light at the end of each tunnel!.

Around the house...little by little the house is transitioning from winter into something a bit more fresh and bright....I love to decorate by the season.... using color and textures

I am pondering... the importance of staying focused on seeing God in every circumstance and not giving sway to the lies of the deceiver whose voice is so much like my own it is hard to differentiate....

A favorite quote for today...
John Stott has a word for me today..."We must allow the Word of God to confront us, to disturb our security, to undermine our complacency and to overthrow our patterns of thought and behavior."

One of my favorite things...

The study and novels on medieval times....

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Monday: had to cancel my Bible Study today and just spending my day doing quiet activities like blogging
Tuesday-allergy shot, marketing, laundry
Wednesday- take dad to the doctor, visit with mom , dinner at church, Adult Bible Study
Thursday- Choir practice, meeting at the library, Ladies' Bible Study on James commences
Friday- free day!

Saturday- Prayer morning in chapel
A peek into my day...

Perhaps a peep into my house will give you an idea

Visit Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook here for more offerings...

Follow Me Friday

2012-01-27T15:26:00.000-05:00

Finding the Inspiring....
is asking us to share inspirational blogs today... in the effort of finding like-minded blog friends and sharing in blogland...

Today if you havent already, Id love to introduce you to Marie at A Year from Oak Cottage.... what a wonderful delight it is to visit her blog....her deep insights into living, faith, and loving is hugely inspiring.. her site is sumptuously beautiful and delicious, too, as she also shares the most amazing home cooked food one can imagine with just about every post! Not only a divine chef in her own right, she is also an artist of the most lovely, encouraging prints for sale in her etsy shop... so much to see, experience, and find deep spiritual soul food as well!

Skywatch Friday

2012-01-27T08:17:00.001-05:00

Out my January window
Check out Skyley for more wonderful photos!

Thankful Thursday

2012-01-26T14:49:00.002-05:00

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving,

and his courts with praise!

Give thanks to him; bless his name”

~ Psalm 100:4 (NIV)

SO much to be thankful for, indeed, yes! And so easy to falter and live life like we dont really mean it or understand the meaning of the word thankful....
One poster on this theme today said she was thankful for His word.... and my goodness, without His word, the Bible, how would we ever begin to know Him and His purposes... so yes, the scriptures are the most precious things we have.... and we meditate on them, we sing them, we memorize them and we think we know them... but until they become a true part of our heart we do not fully apply them and live them as we should... I believe the longest distance in the world is the distance from the brain to the heart. This week I am meditating on Romans 12:12... a simple scripture

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Short, direct, to the point of what to do as a child of God.... easy to memorize, words full of promise and seemingly easy enough to live by....

a perfect life verse....

Yet when I really contemplate the import of each phase and judge my life on its meaning I come up short...

If I lived these 3 simple phases, would I feel sometimes defeated, discouraged, fearful....I understand them in my mind... but in my heart Im not so sure....

I am so thankful for God's word that demonstrates the Truth and the Way.. and I am also thankful for the Holy Spirit who comforts and shines His light into our lives to demonstrate the areas where our mind and heart arent quite equally yolked on scriptures and where a yielding of our heart places must occur that we might fully apply the Truths of scripture and live in peace, and joy, freedom from fear, patiently waiting on God's promises and His restorations and healing. To the place where the subtle voice of the enemy will not have the power to undo us in times of struggle and trial and we will listen instead to the steadfast true voice of the Holy Spirit directing us in the Way of the Lord.... Yes, there are mighty things of God for which to be thankful... and for those I fall on my knees!

There are days

when I feel

The best of me

is ready to begin (the end)

Then there's (the) days

when I feel

I'm letting go

and soaring on the wind

'Cause I've learned in laughter or in pain

How to survive!

I get on my knees! (x2)

There I am before the Love

That changes me

See I don't know how

But there's power

When I'm on my knees

I can be

in a crowd

Or by myself

and almost anywhere

When I feel

there's a need

To talk with God

He is Emmanuel

When I close my eyes,

no darkness there

There's only light!

I get on my knees (x2)

There I am before the Love that changes me

See I don't know how, but there's power

In the blue skies, in the midnight

When I'm on my knees

I get on my knees (x2)

There I am before the Love

That changes me

See I don't know how, but there's power

When I'm on my, oh, when I'm on my

When I'm on my knees
Jaci Velasquez

Today visit Women Taking A Stand for more TT!

A Little Bling for Me

2012-01-26T09:45:00.000-05:00

Blog hopping is so delightful! And when I found Katherine's Corner it was especially fun!

This blog hop meme gives us the chance to share things we love... I was just checking my email and I had a reminder from one of my favorite shops.....

Brighton!
I am a relative new comer to this wondrous shop... I actually first heard of it as I was blog hopping a couple of years ago... not having a distributor in my area I had no opportunity to know of it.... but once the doors of opportunity opened to me I became hooked.... From then on everytime we traveled my favorite souvenir was a piece of bling from Brighton!
Just to share a few pieces with you
.
..I love to collect the wrappings... whether these darling cloth bags

or the adorable tins...

Brighton is definitely a favorite for this older lady!!
Perfect for me...perfect for my pocketbook!

To follow this theme visit Katherine's Corner!

Tablescape Thursday...a Bit of Romance

2012-01-25T17:00:00.001-05:00

My sunroom has been so cold during this whole month because of the dark dreary days... we just never ventured in there..thus never had the heat turned on.... then yesterday dawned cheerful and bright, and thoughts of emerging days of new life and renewed love burst around me and I was flooded with the thoughts of romance and springtime....

and I naturally think roses and candlelight!

I love the shabby antique roses of the linen cloth daintily trimmed with antique laces as the foundation of the scene..

The centerpiece was inspired to reflect the cabbage roses of the cloth in more diminutive roses in the vase! The vase I absolutely love... an antique vase found in a consignment shop, made in an English pottery of exquisite detail and fine quality...

Speaking of English pottery this china I picked up at Marshall's for a song....
Royal Stafford at the potteries of Burslem...try as I might the manufacturer is listed on each piece but not the pattern name....I bought 6 plates and 6 bowls.... alas, that was all they had!

The flatwear is International silver, Joan of Arc, and the napkin, pure Irish linen!
Everything is sensually sumptuous! And as the evening grew, the candlelight performed it's magic!

For more TT be sure to stop in at Between Naps on the Porch! You'll be glad you did!!!

Word Filled Wednesday

2012-01-25T15:25:00.002-05:00

Click the above photo to return to Cafe Devotions!

God's promises are sure and we can trust Him to bring us through when we submit to Christ and live for Him... after all, He died for us!

A Scottish Tea

2012-01-24T19:16:00.000-05:00

Bernideen's Tea Time is a lovely site for getting your inspiration for all things tea! Today she is hosting Friends with Tea a delightful theme that just set me into action to have a spot of tea this afternoon..... today's mail brought me the Winter edition of Scotland magazine which always intrigues me with new destinations for my dream itinerary to the Highlands someday!

So as I was researching a bit of my favorite place on earth,, I decided to enjoy an bit of Celtic tea!

Years ago we were very much involved with the Celtic society here in our area... and we attended highland games in Grandfather Mountain... there we found this gorgeous pottery from Buchan.... depicting the beautiful national flower of Scotland... the thistle..

A simple repast of apples and cheese was just the bit of goodness to enjoy with my Lady Earl Grey.... and here is the exquisite site I was researching... Taymouth Castle...situated on Loch Tay at the gateway of the Scottish Highlands... now this has been a lovely afternoon escape!

Table Top Tuesday

2012-01-24T10:56:00.001-05:00

Click the photo above to visit our host and enjoy more vignettes!

Being so enamored of my family genealogy and heritage with my huge interest in the Olde World I love to incorporate that flavor into my decor....

I find it helps to define me...

My dad's family hailed from the Duchy of Braunschweig, Germany, (Brunswick) the area of Lower Saxony...

I have just very recently discovered that I had been in error regarding this earliest known ancestor's birthplace.... so I am happy to make correction.... I will always think of my German lineage whilst enjoying this lovely figurine!

Mosaic Monday

2012-01-23T15:29:00.003-05:00

This winter has been quite a bit different from winters past....only the barest skiff of snow one morning that was so quickly gone I barely caught it on film..... but icy wind shields have been the order of the day..... and I am so thankful for my dear husband's trusty scraper and hefty arm!!!! And that I dont have to do that much anymore!!!! Cold and drear, foggy, and stark... that has defined this winter... with a few mild days thrown in for good measure, but they just seem to make the really frigid days seem that much harder to endure!

Visit Mary at the Little Red House for more Mosaic Monday!!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2012-01-23T15:07:00.002-05:00

FOR TODAY January 23, 2012

Outside my window...dreary, bitterly dreary!

I am thinking...not too long now til Groundhog Day and I hope he will not see his shadow! Not that believe that but it does tickle my fancy to contemplate springtime!

I am thankful..the small blessings that each day brings that help us find contentment in just being, and being where we are!

In the kitchen...Lynn is actually simmering a lovely pot of homemade vegetable soup!

I am wearing...sweats and a turtle neck.... I cant seem to feel quite warm enough today!

I am creating...a mood for change in many areas of my life.... all change for good and a step toward more of God in everyday!

I am going...to be challenging myself to do the next right thing towards better health and strength!

I am wondering...how to manage the upcoming influx of activities that spring will bring... demands on my time, and challenges on my physical being.....getting mom's house ready to sell is going to be quite a challenge for Lynn and I!

I am reading...

Ann Voskamp's One Thousand Gifts

Book of James

A study of Proverbs on Wisdom

I am hoping...to see progress in the areas I have spoken of above... in the organization of our home, and in how I am feeling about everything!

I am looking forward to..brighter days.... these dreary, cloudy days take my spirit and dashes it....

I am learning...to take all my afflictions and count it all joy.... for trials come of many kinds to teach us patience and perseverance.... it is how we manage and overcome that truly matters... and God's Word tells us if we stay on the right track with Him there is light at the end of each tunnel!.

Around the house...I am still trying to figure out how to meld some of mother's treasure in to my home.... Lynn tells me to get rid of one thing before adding another... that is the hard part...... why do I have to be so sentimental!

I am pondering... why do I automatically revert to old paths when I know that having God with me and His spirit in me I am an overcomer and should cast the old things away.....

A favorite quote for today...

Gratitude is an offering precious in the sight of God, and it is one that the poorest of us can make and be not poorer but richer for having made it. A.W. Tozer
One of my favorite things...

blogging bless me so much
A few plans for the rest of the week:
Monday: Meet with the "Cracked Pots" and discuss lesson 5 in our Study on Finding Joy in God
Visit mom and dad for a minute and meet with the therapists
Tuesday- laundry, laundry, laundry
Wednesday- take mom to the doctor dinner at church, Adult Bible Study
Thursday- up for grabs.... but prob work at the other house
Friday-allergy shot, loose ends day!

Saturday- Prayer team coffee and plan
A peek into my day...

Keeping up with my calendar... I never in a million years would have thought I could have such a busy calendar as I do in my retirement.... and like last week, I had to move my allergy shot to a different day of the week, and lo and behold I forgot to go... and had to reschedule for a different day again this week... I just have to keep my calendar before me every day or I can not keep up with myself!

I
Visit Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook here for more offerings...

Sunday Favorites

2012-01-22T12:24:00.000-05:00

"Sunday Favorites" is a Sunday meme designed to give bloggers a chance

to share a favorite post from the past!

For more information on how to republish a past post just click Happy to Design!

Today I want to share from last winter....

Carolyn , The Scrapping Servant, hosts this theme each week. She reminds us that..

"As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17

My Walk Monday every Monday is where we just share what is going on in our walk for the week or just the day and link up here so we can run this race together!"

Because of this winter storm we didnt have church yesterday and activities for today( our Bible study) were canceled.. Im not doing a Beth Moore this time around and I am finding that old patterns are trying to settle back in... it is so easy to become so distracted that one loses all sense of dedication to and perseverance to time in the Secret Place... I love what Bob Sorge writes in his book about The Secret Place," Not only will this book help to defuse your personal struggles related to the secret place, it will also inspire you to the thrilling exhilaration of developing a personal connection with God. Your heart will be ignited with passion for Jesus."

That is what I truly yearn for... passion for Jesus, the Lover of my soul. Today I dwell on Psalm 42.... one of my very favorite passages...

As the deer pants for streams of water,

so my soul pants for you, O God.

² My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.

When can I go and meet with God?

³ My tears have been my food

day and night,

while men say to me all day long,

"Where is your God?"

⁴ These things I remember

as I pour out my soul:

how I used to go with the multitude,

leading the procession to the house of God,

with shouts of joy and thanksgiving

among the festive throng.

⁵ Why are you downcast, O my soul?

Why so disturbed within me?

Put your hope in God,

for I will yet praise him,

my Savior and ⁶ my God.

My ^c]">[c] soul is downcast within me;

therefore I will remember you

from the land of the Jordan,

the heights of Hermon—from Mount Mizar.

⁷ Deep calls to deep

in the roar of your waterfalls;

all your waves and breakers

have swept over me.

⁸ By day the LORD directs his love,

at night his song is with me—

a prayer to the God of my life.

It is that very deep place where my spirit longs to connect with the spirit of God... where words are unnecessary.. and flesh has no substance.. where I can soar with the eagles in perfect union with his spirit and be made whole in body mind and spirit.. Where love is matchless and divine... where He is all the sustenance I can ever need! I love you , Lord!!!!

Follow Me Friday

2012-01-20T13:25:00.000-05:00

Finding the Inspiring....
is asking us to share inspirational blogs today... in the effort of finding like-minded blog friends and sharing in blogland...
I was delighted to come across this Glittering blog!
Cindy at She Sparkles!

There is much excitement and encouragement to be found there.... and inspiring suggestions for Bible reading and verse memorization!I am especially drawn to the Cindy's vivacious personality and apparent delight in her life in God's kingdom...infectiously uplifting and motivating! Thanks , Cindy, for a fun-filled yet awesomely inspiring blog!!

Skywatch Friday

2012-01-20T09:24:00.004-05:00

The wolf moon shone brightly on the eastern horizon...
Check out Skyley for more wonderful photos!

Tea Parties

2012-01-19T17:03:00.001-05:00

Blog hopping is so delightful! And when I found Katherine's Corner it was especially fun!

This blog hop meme gives us the chance to share things we love and lately with the trials of life it is a great pleasure to me to escape for just a moment to contemplate those things... and Katherine's beautiful

post header is inspiring me of one of my favorite pastimes...tea parties!!!! I love planning them whether it is for a simple shared moment between a friend and myself over a pot of delicious holiday tea,

or a full-blown tea party resplendent with handmade invitations around a marvelous springtime theme....

Ever since my dear hubby bought my tea chest... its open treasures lure me right into the idea that it is tea time somewhere in the world and therefore its time for me to brew a cuppa tea!

Having good friends and family together under one roof over a delicious yet dainty repast is just such a joy for me.....and a welcome manner in which to offer hospitality and to stay in touch with and show real love and togetherness with our old friends!

Even when I sit down to plan a tea..... I enjoy a bit of a solo party myself..... it just helps to set the tone and the mood !

To follow this theme visit Katherine's Corner!

Table Top Tuesday

2012-01-18T13:02:00.000-05:00

Click the photo above to visit our host and enjoy more vignettes!

Sitting at the table this morning I happened to spy the sideboard and thought to myself how nice to be looking so minimal..... that is not a word that would naturally characterize my style.... but I love it this morning!

Upon closer inspection

I like the simplicity of items yet they each carry with them a story that compliments our family..
I love my tea chest and tea pot in pewter that accents the pewter service used in the table scape in the below post.... Im ever ready for impromptu teatime!!!
and the simple collection on the left brings together a bit of who we are ... art of the family of God as well as a bit Irish lore thrown in for good measure!

The greens in the blue and white pot accent the paperwhites in the Chinese vessel on the table.Simple, yet meaningful..... a good attitude for this new year!

January's Sunshine Table

2012-01-18T12:38:00.001-05:00

This January is quite a change from the last couple of years.... only a very light dusting of snow a couple of mornings last week, but mainly the sun shines bright and wispy clouds trail across an ice blue sky.... this was the inspiration for my tablescape this week...

As I enter from the kitchen the cheerful yellows and blues greet me with a warm hello!

The paperwhites in the centerpiece stand sentinel over the table welcoming with a promise of good things to come!

I love my mother's pewter coffee service she passed on to me..... her sister's gave it to her on the happy day of her 25th wedding anniversary... My tea angel guards over the service promising to keep the coffee and tea warm and tasty! The pewter makes me think of the cold, icy air of January, even when the sun shines brightly through the pane.

Flanking the centerpiece the angel of winter reminds us to ne'er forget the beautiful birds in their plight for winter's fare

It was quite fun bringing out a bit of sunshine into the dining room this morning!

China- Mikasa- South Hampton
flatwear- Zwilling J.A. Henckels Vintage 1876

napkins- Pomegranate from Provisions

tablecloth and placemats- markdowns from Kohl's last week

goblets- goodness, Ive had them for a very long time

For more TT be sure to stop in at Between Naps on the Porch.
You'll be glad you did!!!

Word Filled Wednesday

2012-01-18T09:41:00.002-05:00

Click the above photo to return to Cafe Devotions!

This scripture is one of my very favorite passages....it encourages and emboldens me to pursue that life the God has purposed for me in his Will for me to do!

Marriage Monday

2012-01-16T19:29:00.002-05:00

I am excited about this new meme, Marriage Monday, created by Chrysalis ....it seems this appears every first and third Monday and this week is something a bit new and different.

Today, let's get re-acquainted as women—without spilling any ink about our marriages. This week, boys are not allowed!

The prompts listed below are designed to help us to get to know you as a unique daughter of God. Please complete the sentences (as I have), post your piece on your blog, and then come back here to link up.

Think of your post as a quick pencil sketch of your current life. The faster you write it the better!

I am…..in awe of the goodness of our God

I want….. develop to my full potential as a daughter of the King

I have….. to make the most of each new day

I wish….. I had more boldness in the area of sharing the Good News with people I know who need the gospel in their lives

I hate….. deceitfulness

I miss….. our daughter and son-in-law

I fear….. the prospect of eventually having to live alone if anything were to happen to my husband

I feel…..the love of the Father in my life and know he is ever with me

I hear…..beautiful violin music playing on my blog as I compose this post

I smell….. a writer's favorite smell of a crisp new pages of my journal lying open before me

I crave….. revival to break out around me ... in our community... church.... and nation

I search….. for any written words or images about Scotland..... I love Scotland so.... and so very hope to go there some day

I wonder…..if I will ever be grandma

I regret….. wasted time spent on foolish endeavors.

I love….. all kinds of music... I must have music playing all the time

I ache….. inside over some personal issues regarding my outer circle family dynamic

I care….. for my aging parents and their acceptance in their living arrangements at Assisted Living

I always…..want my newly retired husband to be happy and fulfilled

I am not….. willing to allow Satan’s lies to hurt me—or others.

I believe…..Psalm 42 is my very favorite passage of scripture and and it sets the purpose in my life

I dance….. praise dances to my Lord in my spirit

I sing….. in our senior choir at church and just anytime I hear a favored song

I cry….. hen I am completely inundated with trials or stressful circumstances beyond my control and ability to overcome

I don’t always….. make wise eating choices

I fight….. for the Truth.

I write…..edify and encourage others.

I never…. knew the joy of having a sibling

I listen….. for the early morning far off sounds songs of the white throated sparrow

I need….. to get more serious about my diet and exercise program

I am happy….. and content with my life as it is in all aspects

Diary of 5

2012-01-16T18:54:00.002-05:00

I am seeing...my Gratitude Journal opened to item 44.... that makes about 3 items per day since the beginning of the year.... but I want to be even more grateful to the lord's presence and work in my life.... so that number will grow this week.

I am hearing...sleet beating against the windowpane this evening

I am smelling... the scent of roast barbecued chicken that adorned my salad this evening for supper

I tasted... then crispness of the greens of the salad along with the sweetness of the sliced red pepper drizzled with the delightful aromatic dressing we purchased from Jamison's Orchard last month.

I am feeling...so relieved that the faxed paperwork we submitted over the weekend has been received and is being reviewed

For more just like these.. visit here!

Mosaic Monday

2012-01-16T14:46:00.004-05:00

Just sitting here dreaming of what I would love to be doing if time were no object...

Of course, to be honest, I do spend a lot of time at the computer which is where I do must of my thinking and planning for the things I do have to do...
I love to express myself in oils.... and am very thankful for my teacher who drew me to the paint brush when i retired and encouraged me to be a bit creative with my spare time....
One pastime I will not forgo is time spent in Bible Study and prayer... communion with the Lord... for that seed sown produces more energy and time to spend on other daily endeavors...
and I love to plan and fellowship with friends.... but alas, this has really been relegated to a back burner of late....
Prioritizing
is the word for this year....now that Lynn is also retired my day isnt my own like it was
and Im not bemoaning that.... not at all....
and now with my parents changed circumstances
there is another huge responsibility place on me ( us) to spend a lot of time doing things we werent doing before....
but things that are extremely imperative to do....
so
finding time
is the order of the day....
Whenever anyone asks me, how can I pray for you...
I am always saying,
"time management"
with the will and desire to do all in God's strength .....
in peace and moderation...
Visit Mary at the Little Red House for more Mosaic Monday!!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2012-01-15T20:38:00.001-05:00

FOR TODAY January 15, 2012

Outside my window...very seasonable weather.... cold and breezy

I am thinking...how thankful I am that I am over my autumn surgery and am doing so well

I am thankful...for my dear husband who support me every step of the way... he took great care of me!

In the kitchen...savory homemade chili

I am wearing...black slacks and white turtle neck sweater

I am creating...I wish I could say something here but Im just not into the creative mode these days

I am going...to be partaking of week 4 with the "Cracked Pots' in the morning.... that is such a wonderful group of ladies with whom we all share Bible truths and encourage one another to good life choices and habits

I am wondering...how to stay on task in all the many areas of my life keeping our home going, getting mom's house ready to sell, and keeping my parents going in Assisted living.... it can get overwhelming
I am reading...

Ann Voskamp's One Thousand Gifts

Book of James

A study of Proverbs on Wisdom

I am hoping...to do a bit of rearranging around the house this week.... thinking a bit of blue might be in the offing!

I am looking forward to..our weekly phone call from our daughter, Amanda... it could be coming any minute now!

I am learning...ti differentiate the voices in my head.... we all have.... our own flesh. the Holy Spirit's small still voice, and that of the enemy who so often disguises his voice to sound just like our own.... it is that voice that gets me into trouble with myself and that usually leads to some inner conflict between myself and the Lord.... I must lead to either ignore or disagree with that guileful voice and keep my thoughts at bay... that will lead to happiness and quiet spirit within me..

Around the house...I am incorporating some treasures from mom's home that I have always cherished... many of which are blue!!!( Not the more common color in my home, but definitely an accent color.... and one I look forward to using!)

I am pondering... my calendar and how quickly it is filling up..... as usual... so glad Lynn is retired and share in these tasks and endeavors with me

A favorite quote for today...

We should not ask, "What is wrong with the world?" for that diagnosis has already been given. Rather, we should ask, "What has happened to the salt and light?" John Stott

One of my favorite things...
Doing things together with my sweet husband....

even sitting at the car dealership together waiting on our car servicing.....this always leads to breakfast out which is a lovely thing!!!!!

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Monday: Meet with the "Cracked Pots" and discuss lesson 4 in our Study on Finding Joy in God
Tuesday- hat mom and dad to the doctor, important teleconference
Wednesday- work around the house, dinner at church, Adult Bible Study
Thursday-submit final application yayayayayayay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, Choir and luncheon at church, laundry,
Birthday dinner with good friends

Friday- visit mom and dad, allergy shot, loose ends day!

Saturday- Prayer chapel at church
A peek into my day...

Ive mentioned them several times... these are my 'Cracked Pot' gal pals.... and the sweetest group of ladies you could ever hope to know!We do know how to have a grand time!
Visit Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook here for more offerings...

Follow me Friday

2012-01-13T14:41:00.002-05:00

I was blog hopping this morning and revisited a wonderful blog, Finding the Inspiring....
and was so encouraged by a new initiatve that will be starting up next week...entitled Follow me Friday which will be an opportunity for posters to link up and share other inspiring blogs they enjoy.., a great way to meet like minded and encouraging blog friends and find the best that is out in blogland! I think this shall be a very fortuitous endeavor and one I am really looking forward to!

Skywatch Friday

2012-01-13T08:22:00.003-05:00

This view out my studio window blesses me!

Check out Skyley for more wonderful photos!

Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop

2012-01-12T12:41:00.002-05:00

Blog hopping is so delightful! And when I found Katherine's Corner it was especially fun!

Like a child in a candy shop I cant decide where to begin..... I do have so many favorite things

but I suppose that if I was honest and just as my friend who led me here, Doylene from The Gracious Home inspired me, I would have to say I love all things Scottish! Being a huge anglophile and a decendant of Scottish soil, I long to travel there!

Researching has brought me to a possible ancestral home of the Blairs!

but who can resist the Royal Mile of Edinburgh...

or the colorful villages of the leaward isles...

But what pulls at my heartstrings the most are the secluded vast highlands ......
remote and wondrous to imagine!

So for now planning is a favorite thing!

To follow this theme visit Katherine's Corner!

Wednesday Ponderings

2012-01-11T09:06:00.002-05:00

This morning I have the election on my mind.... as I do so much of the time..

I have been so concerned about our nation in the past months.... as I see society on such a slippery slope... to the point that we have fallen off the plain of morality and patriotism... it is like how much more can we lose in the name of tolerance and political correctness.... I just about despise the terms, now, for how they have propelled our national decline....

I taught Virginia History for 30 years... all about our founding fathers and patriotism... and when I consider the times, I am so dismayed at how the very fabric of our nation is changing in this current leadership... The Word tells us to pray for our government leaders! I challenge us all to fall on our knees in this initiative ... to P.U.S.H. our prayers!

Prayer Unitl Something Happens!!!!

Praying For The Government

1Tim 2:1............Heavenly Father, I give thanks for our government.

1 Tim 2:2...........I pray for all men and women having authority over us in any way.

Prov. 1:23..........Pour out Your Spirit upon them and make Your Word known to them.

Ps 25:21...........Cause them to be men and women of integrity, obedient concerning us,

1 Tim 2:2...........that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life, in all godliness and honesty.

Prov. 2:10..........Let wisdom enter their hearts, and let knowledge be pleasant to them.

Prov. 2:11..........Let discretion preserve them and understanding keep them,

Prov. 2:12..........to deliver them from the way of evil and from evil men.

Psalm 1:1..........Make their hearts and ears attentive to godly counsel,

2Chr 20:32.........doing what is right in your sight.

Prov. 2:21..........Let the upright dwell in our government.

Heb 12:27..........Cause there to be a shaking in all areas.

Prov. 2:21..........Let those complete and blameless before You stay.

Prov. 2:22..........and cut off the wicked. Let the unfaithful be rooted out.

1Cor 4:5............Bring to light what is hidden in darkness,

1Cor 4:5............and expose the secret aims of the hearts.

Rev 2:5.............Let this nation remember from where they have fallen,

Rev 2:5.............repenting, and returning to doing their first works,

1Chr 22:19........setting their hearts and their souls to seek the Lord,

2Chr 7:14..........humbling themselves, praying, and turning from their wicked ways.

2Chr 7:14..........Then hear them, O Lord, and forgive their sins and heal our land.

Acts 26:18........Open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light.

Heb 3:13...........Soften the hearts that are hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

Ps 107:20..........Deliver them from their destructions.

2Pet 3:9............Father, You have been longsuffering toward us,

2Pet 3:9............not willing that any should perish,

2Pet 3:9............but that all should come to repentance.

Isa 49:22...........Raise up a standard in this nation.

Zech 10:1..........Cause the rains of Your Spirit to flood this land

Hab 3:2.............and revive Your work in the midst of us.

Isa 59:16...........Raise up intercessors for this nation

2Cor 10:4..........to pull down strongholds over this land.

Isa 40:5............And let the glory of the Lord be revealed!

Word Filled Wednesday

2012-01-10T16:17:00.001-05:00

Click the above photo to return to Cafe Devotions!

Table Top Tuesday

2012-01-10T12:51:00.001-05:00

Click to photo above to visit our host and enjoy more vignettes!

It's about a month away but I love to transition my reds of Christmas right into Valentine's Day..... such an easy step for moving into the new year, as well.

Of course, I am showcasing my sweetest little valentine.. our daughter, Amanda

This photo was taken to show off her missing front tooth.... but she is a lovely 26 year old research scientist now!!!!Love her heart!!!!

Diary of 5

2012-01-10T08:16:00.000-05:00

I am seeing...my morning coffee and important paperwork I must deal with today!

I am hearing...Morning in America on my computer at Townhall.com discussing the New Hampshire Primaries.... (praying God's man is rising to the top ... the man who will take back the White House!)

I am smelling... marvelous;y fresh fruit cup Lynn brought me this morning..... such a sweetheart I married!

I tasted... not only the fruit cup but also luscious strawberry yogurt with granola

I am feeling...hopeful that everything goes well today

For more just like these.. visit here!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2012-01-09T14:16:00.002-05:00

FOR TODAY January 9, 2012

Outside my window...a bitter cold drizzly day... makes my bones creak...at least I can blame the weather on that

I am thinking...how lovely it was to meet again with my Monday morning "Cracked Pots" group again....we had taken a hiatus for a few months and we really needed to just get back together today and share!

I am thankful...for good friends with whom we can share life's struggles and joys

In the kitchen...aromas of homemade soup are wafted up the stairs into my studio here!

I am wearing...black slacks and black shell with claret red sweater

I am creating...I wish I could say something here but Im just not into the creative mode these days

I am going...to be very good with my resolution this week to keep my Gratitude journal up to date

I am wondering...how to manage my time better and get the things done this year that really must be done like work at my mom's home to sell or give away items, get the house ready to sell, and get it sold in this economy! Plus everything else I have to do as an only child! I can only cry out to God as a "Cast" sheep who knows I can do nothing without God's help! "Cast" my cares on Him!

I am reading...
Ann Voskamp's One Thousand Gifts

Joseph Prince's Destined to Reign

Book of James

I am hoping...to get back on track to lose at least 5 pounds by the end of the month... that seems doable if I can stay focused

I am looking forward to...seeing my parents fully acclimated to their new home in Assisted Living... I see glimmers of hope like yesterday when they both got dressed up to go to dinner and were very talkative with the other residents....

I am learning...to trust God more when I am feeling undone about life's situations and problems..... I confess that I sometimes act out a bit before I fully yield to God... anger comes easily to me at times of high stress, but I am learning to rest in His promises and I fully believe that will have far reaching benefits to my general life and well being...

Around the house...gradually all semblances of Christmas past are disappearing and giving way to a simplified arrangement or decor that actually is making me feel uncluttered in my own thinking processes as well....

I am pondering... life's problems that we can have due to nothing we have ever done or can imagine to do

A favorite quote for today...

“God created us for this: to live our lives in a way that makes him look more like the greatness and the beauty and the infinite worth that he really is. This is what it means to be created in the image of God.” John Piper

One of my favorite things...

I hate to admit it, but enjoying my solitude at the computer.... blogging is very therapeutic to me!

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Tuesday- allergy shot, a very important teleconference, laundry...laundry.....laundry
Wednesday- mom to doctor for surgical followup, dinner at church, Adult Bible Study
Thursday-finalize some very important paper work and get it faxed off

errands around town and tour the library
Friday- visit mom and dad

Saturday- Prayer group at Lynne's and something fun with my husband
A peek into my day...

Spending my morning with the Lord and with my wonderful study group is a marvelous way to begin each new week , especially for this new year!

Visit Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook here for more offerings...

Pink Saturday

2012-01-07T13:34:00.004-05:00

Happy Pink Saturday

Today we took down the Christmas tree and I was thinking now what???

And then I thought today is Pink Saturday!
So that put in the mind of thinking toward Valentine's Day I know... a bit early.,,,, but if the stores can rush the season so can I!

So I went around the house thinking love...ly thoughts and put this together!

Because I love tea... it always takes center stage!

An angel announcing a great message from heaven to be glad and rejoice in each and every day of the new year no matter each day may bring!

This vignette just puts in a happy mood as I anticipate the coming season and the promise of new life and new blessings along the way!

For more Pink Saturday visit Beverly of How Sweet the Sound!

Thankful Thursday

2012-01-05T17:14:00.002-05:00

I am rounding out my first week of the new year with my renewed spirit of thanksgiving.... I am so thankful for the precious gift of the book One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are
by Ann Voskamp.. this book has inspired me to open my eyes to God's blessings all around me.... for He is mighty in our lives and continually providing all our needs and desires.... So I have started my gratitude Journal and I am carrying it with me everywhere i go so that as soon as I realize God's hand in my life I can write it down a t that moment.... I am finding that living moment by moment is in itself a valuable gift that makes life worth living... I can not stress enough the important and the value of reading this book and looking for God every moment of one's day!

For more TT click here and here.

Tablescape Thursday

2012-01-05T09:53:00.002-05:00

I am still reeling from the wonders of our Christmas with our family ....no matter that our month of December was fraught with stress, pain, and deep concerns, once the kids were home and for a time all else could be laid aside, it was just so sweet to be able to carve out a bit of festive fun in the holiday spirit!

A simple yuletide supper,

Or our Christmas Eve repast...

a Christmas family breakfast

with all our favorite dishes....

including fresh homemade scratch biscuits with gravy....

keeping the table ever ready for each and every venue is what makes Christmas so cheery and keeps the traditions manageable!

For more TT be sure to stop in at Between Naps on the Porch! You'll be glad you did!!!

Ruby Tuesday

2012-01-03T18:15:00.001-05:00

Well, another lovely meme has come to a close this year! I always enjoyed this one , especially to see all the festive reds of the season...to end my participation in this meme I am delighted to share my seasonal red!

Our roasted tomato bisque was a huge hit at our Christmas dinner!!

For more reds visit our host, Mary.. Always a blogging treat to visit her site! You may still see the merry Christmas reds from last week there!
With that, I wish Mary and all who enjoyed this happy meme and very happy new year and a fresh new beginning!

Table Top Tuesday

2012-01-03T10:50:00.000-05:00

Click to photo above to visit our host and enjoy more vignettes!

It is a new year, a year filled with expectations... some wonderful and some possibly woeful.... we just never know what each new year will bring.... but we do have the promise from God's word that no matter what should befall us we can be overcomers... if we put our hope and trust in the Lord. So I am happy to put the holidays behind me and fall back into my spiritual routine.... and very excitedly to begin work on my thanksgiving journal for 2012...my tabletop so far this year is dedicated to encouraging me in spending quality time in God's Word and establishing a daily routine for journalling His blessings in my life!

Diary of 5

2012-01-02T19:23:00.002-05:00

I am seeing...my Bible and study material

I am hearing...a train way off in the distance

I am smelling...all things new and fresh in this new beginning

I tasted...light and refreshing steamed broccoli

I am feeling...expectant and full of excitement

For more just like these.. visit here!

Happy Homemaker Monday

2012-01-02T19:08:00.001-05:00

For more Happy Homemaker posts visit here!

The weather:::

The weather here today has really become much colder... very hard to get used to after our mild weather of late

On my reading pile:::

I am reading

Amy Voskamp's, A Thousand Gifts

Joseph Prince's, Destined to Reign

Bill Johnson's The Supernatural Ways of Royalty

On my TV:::

Anything on HDTV

Food Network

A Person of Interest

Once Upon a Time

On the menu for this week:::

Monday - Mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli

Tuesday - Lentil soup with ham

Wednesday - dinner at church

Thursday - spaghetti, salad,

Friday - homemade beef vegetable soup

Saturday - leftovers

Sunday - Chinese

On my to do list:::

paperwork

Bible Study

Put Christmas away

laundry

organize

journalling

What I am sewing, crocheting, knitting or creating:::

no time for anything at this time

Looking around the house:::

I see the last vestiges of Christmas past

From the camera:::

Lynn and I at the senior choir luncheon...I am so thrilled he is singing along with us in his retirement

we have such a wonderful time with such grand friends!

Something fun to share:::

I am very excited about the thanksgiving journal I am starting as my New Year Resolution ...I was inspired to do this because of the Voskamp book A Thousand Gifts....I just feel the spirit moving me to begin this project because I feel that I will be emboldened of spirit and strength in it for this coming year! I challenge you all to read this wonderful book and perhaps, too, you will start becoming more aware of the Lord all around you!

On my prayer list:::

our family

our church

our neighbors and community

many special friends who are struggling with their health, family issues, and finances

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2012-01-01T20:36:00.001-05:00

FOR TODAY
We are still experiencing a very mild winter but there are changes a comin!

I am thinking..wow, what a lovely Christmas.....but it hurried past so fast.....

I am thankful.. for such a loving, merciful God... it was a huge blessing to have mom and dad come and do Christmas Day with us.... Thankfully, her procedure last Monday was a huge success... the chiroplasty where they injected cement around her broken vertebra stopped all her terrible spinal pain.... and she can now sit comfortably.. so by this past Thursday, the day we actually called our Christmas Day, she was able to spend a few hours with us..... wonderful memories!!!

In the kitchen...leftovers... what else?

I am wearing... my new white terry robe with my monogram on it... I love it... a real surprise from my sweetheart!

I am creating.. nothing on my creative list this week!

I am going... to be starting a thanksgiving journal tomorrow as my main New Year's resolution. I am reading A Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp, and ai am so encouraged and challenged to do this this year.... for there is nothing more wonderful than developing a thankful heart toward God's many blessings he provides us personally and corporately everyday... I wish to train my eye so I can see them and know just how marvelous our God is and how very much He loves us!

I am wondering... about many things that I will not express here but believe me, my mind is full!

I am reading...The Voskamp book is a delight to me, and Joseph Prince's book, Destined to Reign, too, encourages me to know God in a deeper intimacy and to fully understand the benefits of living under the covenant of His grace!.

I am hoping...to get things in good shape this week following the holidays.... time to regroup and get organized for the many jobs I have ahead of me...

I am looking forward to..getting back into my weekly routine.

I am hearing...the wind is roaring outside my window

Around the house...I am seeing the remnants of Christmas past that need to be put aside, packed away, and gradually stored back into an organized manner! So glad Lynn is retired!

I am pondering...again the goodness of God in that with each new day I see my old mom coming back .... so glad she is free from that debilitating back pain and can now focus on getting back into their daily routine....regain some part of their lives together in happiness and peace!

One of my favorite things... a nice cup of Christmas tea around a lighted Christmas tree! That never changes

A few plans for the rest of the week:Monday: working on my Bible Study, and journal and putting some Christmas away
Tuesday: Laundry
Wednesday: Allergy shot/ cars to mechanic/ stop in at mom's church dinner and Bible Study
Thursday: Go to the library and check out the new digs
perhaps take a tour and just have a nice quiet day
Friday: take mom to the doctor for a followup from her surgery

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

One of my sweetest memories from the holidays... hearing our wonderful daughter play a medley of carols on Christmas Day!

Visit Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook here for more offerings...

Busy Christmas

2011-12-28T17:05:00.000-05:00

What a busy Christmas.... Our Christmas didnt actually begin until Monday evening when our daughter and son-in-law arrived for a visit this week. Then Tuesday morning bright and early we had to take my mother to the hospital for a Chiroplasty procedure on her spine and we all tied up all day with that issue and today we tired to bake a bit and do a bit of work at my mom and dad's home... Our daughter was interested in being involved and helping with the impact and work this move to Assisted Living has been on us.... I dont feel like we have actually Christmassed yet..... We did have a lovely leisurely breakfast this morning with all the trimmings and Amanda and I did sneak and open a package this afternoon. We had matching bracelets from Brighton that I was dying to open.... that was fun... but now its time to load up the car and go visit with my parents a bit and take them some Christmas cheer....

tomorrow will be our Christmas Day... I sure hope it all goes without a hitch!!!!!. Meanwhile, Im wishing you all a great week and a joyful coming New Year!!!!

Merry Christmas!!

2011-12-24T15:16:00.001-05:00

The Story of the birth of Jesus, the wonderful son of God, Prince of Peace, Wonderful Counselor,

and our Savior

Luke 2

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place whileQuirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,

and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

After all, this is what Christmas is all about....not the shopping, and the giving, and the baking, and the spending, and the stress, and the headaches, and the sore aching feet, and everything else that all the hoopla has been about... Just a simple truth about a little baby boy who lived a simple life, yet whose life means more than all the kings and all the wealth, and all the powerful leaders rolled into one.. for He is the Life, the Light of the world!

and

HE WILL SOON BE COMING AGAIN! MARANATHA!

Table Top Tuesday

2011-12-19T20:28:00.000-05:00

Click to photo above to visit our host and enjoy more vignettes!

As I walked around our home this late afternoon... I was charmed by the twilight of dusk filtering through the blinds... mingled with the twinkling lights of Christmas.... I love the rosy warmth of photos taken without a flash... I took a couple with the flash but I think you will agree those taken without are much more cheerful! We will start in the dining room

The sunroom demonstrates the banquette in flash mode...

There you can see our Christmas Cards in their cherry box and my furry friends who visit my yard everyday in repose around a lighted arrangement.... but here it is with no flash

and some other sunroom shots...

and we'll end up in the living room...

a cute golden tree vignette
the mantel

Yes, Ive decided that dusk is my favorite time to celebrate the glory of a Christmas home... if I want to capture the thrill and warmth of the yuletide season....I love this time of year!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2011-12-19T13:08:00.000-05:00

FOR TODAY
Bright and sunny... no sign of Christmas in the forecast around here for sure....

I am thinking...it is nice to have a day to myself to just work around the house and get things done in my leisure as the spirit moves.... aw... my kind of day..I refuse to allow pressure to seep in today.

I am thankful.. that the promise from the Lord that I am learning more and more to live by is that he will supply everything we need for each day and to live like I believe and accept it

In the kitchen...leftovers... what else?

I am wearing... green sweat pants and a and robin's egg blue tee..... I know it sounds pretty bad but it is comfy and today that is really nice!

I am creating.. a homey atmosphere for Christmas!

I am going... to be sitting here by the phone today waiting for mom's doctor to return my call.... we have got to beg him for mom's procedure on her broken lumbar 2 to take place sooner rather than later..... she has suffered long enough waiting for tomorrow's mri

I am wondering... well,,, Ive actually got so much on my mind.. I can't choose any one thing to delineate.. but rest assured I am wondering about plenty!

I am reading...no time for reading except I hope to find some time for the scriptures this week.....

I am hoping... that each day from now til the years' end will be happy, joyful, and stress free

I am looking forward to..seeing our dear children this week!

I am hearing...just my fingers tapping on the keypad

Around the house...I am seeing rooms one at a time come alive with the spirit of Christmas!

I am pondering...my need to let go of the must do's of Christmas and simplify my holiday experience... my goal is to just be joyful and keep a happy tone in our household.

One of my favorite things... a nice cup of Christmas tea around a lighted Christmas tree!

A few plans for the rest of the week:Monday: work on cleaning the house awaiting Dr's call about Mom
Tuesday: Take mom to the mri
Wednesday: Finish any last minute decorating , have a family over for dinner, and a nice fireside chat
Thursday: do some Christmas baking, drive to Lynchburg to meet the Christmas train and collect our children --yayayayayyayayayaya--- and take them to phase one of their Christmas vacation ... our phase of their stay begins on the 26th..... therefore, Lynn and I need to invent our own Christmas experience just the two of us.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

Saturday night Lynn and I joined along with our Sunday School class in a progressive dinner party.. we met in three different homes for appetizer, meal, and dessert...all 32 of us had a glorious time of loving, and joyous fellowship..... delightful in every aspect!

Visit Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook here for more offerings...

Pink Saturday

2011-12-17T12:23:00.002-05:00

It's the Merry Christmas post for 2011!

and
Happy Pink Saturday!

It isnt Christmas around the house until the tree goes up..... carols playing softly and egg nog or Christmas tea to cheer us along.... that is our tradition of setting the stage for getting our tree up each year now that it is just the two of us!

It is such a joy to see the lights finally on and lighted!

For these prelit trees always seem to need a set of lights to replace those that have given up their light in seasons past!

Finally, it seems that everything has been placed just right....

Deciding which ornaments to put where is a delight each year....

Until finally, it just seems to say,,, " This is just right for 2011!"
So...one room down and one to go.... but this time...

things are different...
and we get to do all the fun all over again
..... tomorrow!
Merry Christmas!

For more Pink Saturday visit Beverly of How Sweet the Sound!

Table Top Tuesday

2011-12-14T20:29:00.000-05:00

Click to photo above to visit our host and enjoy more vignettes!

Ok, Im a day late but I finally did get things a bit arranged and boxes squirreled out of sight.. I still have boxes scattered here and there, but as I've said before, Christmas decorating seems to evolve in our home.... as the spirit moves....
One of my favorite finds this season is my very first cloche... Ive seen them in so many lovely blog vignettes, and wanted one for the longest time.... I finally found this great one at my favorite consignment shop last week... and so it is heralding the advent of our savior and Lord, the birth of Jesus Christ,,,

The end table by the chair hosts another decorative ensemble

Across the room, the Christmas mantel echoes the rose motif....

...something a bit different this year...

So as I scan from room to room, the essence of Christmas present is a delight to the senses and to my heart...

Christmas joy resounds from room to room just as it does from heart to heart within the home....
Joy to the World... the Lord is come!

Christmas is Coming!

2011-12-08T18:53:00.001-05:00

whether Im ready or not..... and even though times around here have been hectic to say the very least.... the Lord does provide opportunities for our good pleasure... and for me today it was so wonderful to see the house alit for the holidays...

This evening right about dusk, Lynn called me out in the yard to see how things were going...

I love the effect of the candles and the wreaths at the windows.... so cheery and welcoming!

The glow of the Christmas tree in the living room is always a happy sight for me this time of year!

This year we added these lit twigs to our ensemble.... I love the bright nuance they provide ...
What an evening to be out sharing our Christmas lights with the world.... we cant come close to comparing with the glory of God's handiwork... either in the glorious sunset....

or the rising of the full moon!

Please pray

2011-12-06T20:53:00.001-05:00

for me and my family.... this has been one of the most stressful times of my life.... my parents just moved into Assisted Living last Wednesday and each day since then has been a huge trial.....it's not that they dont like the new home.... it is very nice and a lovely place to live... but mom's fall last Monday a t home has aggravated her arthritis to the extent that she has basically given up trying to do those things she knows she needs to do... Lynn and I have worked around the clock to get things done for them and make the transition smooth but nothing we have been able to do or say has helped mom in her resolve to move beyond the reality of the pain that she has coped with for many years .... tomorrow we take dad to one doctor and then later mid morning we take mom to the pain specialist... please pray that he will have some relief for her..... and that things will finally settle down.... this week has taken its toll on everyone....

Simply Saturday

2011-12-03T20:19:00.001-05:00

Funny to say the last time I wrote to this theme I was taking down the Christmas tree... today we put it up... but alas, we didnt decorate it yet... it needs many more lights and that is Lynn's job... so I contented myself working on small vignettes... When its all said and I I will post some photos.... I love to see Christmas just sort of evolve around our house.... sort of as the spirit moves me.... I would love to create something on the scale as the beautiful photo posted above,,,, so cozy and warming and full of cheer... it resonates family, love, and tradition to me. That is what Christmas is.... beginning with the holy family represented by God the Father who sent us His own child, His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, as a sin offering... Jesus come to be born, live, and die for us... as a substitute for us because of the sin in our lives that separates us from God.... Jesus, in His first advent, came as a babe , born by the Holy Spirit, through the Virgin Mary, he knew no sin, yet He took the sins of the world on Himself in His cruxifiction and became the atoning sacrifice for all who will believe he is who he says he is.... and who will repent of their sin and turn to God, who will trust God and accept Christ's free gift of salvation... We are all sinners, We deserve hell and damnation... every one of us.... yet because of God's love he made a way for us to be saved...through the redemptive power of Jesus' blood poured out for us....It is a free gift of grace for those who will believe.... such love, mercy, grace.... free to all who will receive it that is the love, the family and the tradition embodied in the beautiful Christmas in our hearts.... that we seek to emulate during this season..... For me planning for Christmas includes the wondrous carols proclaiming the good news of the Coming Christ Child...., candles and tree lights that remind me that Jesus is the Light of the World...wonderful aromas' of delicious Christmas treats, the scent of fresh pine, that remind me of the family traditions of old...the giving of gifts... nothing outlandish .. just token gifts of appreciation to friends and family to demonstrate love one for another. Just as Christ demonstrated in being the perfect gift of us all.... I pray that this year I can keep my focus on the true meaning of Christmas and enfold myself in only those things that keep me ever closer to the author of Christmas. God, the Father and His marvelous, precious Son, Jesus Christ!

Thanks for the inspiration for this post to my dear friend Gina!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2011-11-28T19:41:00.000-05:00

FOR TODAY

These mild days astound me.... but the rain has come....

I am thinking... how life can really throw you a curve ball ever now and then...

I am thankful.. that God in His faithfulness is ever present in times of trouble

In the kitchen...leftovers... what else?

I am wearing... grey sweat pants and a summer blouse..... anything cool got too warm several times today!

I am creating.. an organizational tool for keeping track of mom and dad's finances and bills.... oh,,,, I need all the organization I can muster!!

I am going...to be praying for an uneventful day tomorrow.... to be a bit more informative... mom fell this morning... we hurried over to and found her sitting in the den floor.. She was over her discomfiture by the time we got there and was relatively sure nothing was broken...
We got her up and back lying down on her sofa.... where she spends the biggest part of her day.... She appeared to be ok if somewhat shaken.. but the bad news was she had inadvertantly thrown away the several pain meds she had in the house and the rest of her meds had already been taken to the Assisted Living facility for bubble wrapping.... (dispensing once we get there on Wednesday...)
We stayed around for about an hour but she was fine and the cleaning ladies were coming. Then about 1 this afternoon the cleaning ladies called and told us she needed us back and they were afraid to leave her...so we were there again. There was a bruise on her back that was disconcerting to them.... mom does bruise easily... anyway we ended up calling 911 and the ENTS were great
they checked her vitals which showed there was very little need for emergency and it would be such an ordeal to get mom to the ER and he doctor agreed that it was pointless to take her there.... so after about 2 hours it was decided that she'd just stay home and take a Tylenol.... Ive called and checked up on her several times and she is resting easily and about to go on to bed.... Praise the Lord he is ever present and provides everything we need of we put our trust in Him...but it still was quite a day and I didnt get one thing done here at home that I needed to get done....

I am wondering...lately I have too much on my mind to have any time to wonder..... maybe next week!

I am reading... I really desire to start reading my Christmas anthology I bought a couple of weeks ago but alas no time in my future for reading...

I am hoping... that the move on Wednesday will be easy on everyone.... All is packed and ready to go although Mom and dad think there is a ton to do..... Poor dears just dont understand that the things they see around them dont have to be perfectly organized before we leave.... Everything they are taking is packed and ready for pickup on Wednesday.... Im sure it is hard on them to break up their home and leave much behind... but it will be just what they need in the new place.... and it's going to look very nice!!! The work will come after ward when Lynn and I take over.... oh, my!

I am looking forward to..all of the Hallmark Christmas movies this season..... they a re always so well done and uplifting

I am hearing...absolutely nothing..... but the whirring of the computer fan!

Around the house... I am seeing bags of Christmas giftings and decorations and wrapping paper..... the Christmas tree box is sitting in the middle of the living room floor and the dining room table is loaded with stuff..... I need a Christmas miracle!

I am pondering...well, I do seem to ponder a lot but it is usually when I awaken in the night and cant go back to sleep because my mind is so busy pondering if the finances are going to last as originally planned or what if this or that then that.....then I remember that nothing is going to take God by surprise and I am able to give it all to him and I find my peace and rest!!!!

One of my favorite things... a nice cup of Christmas tea to calm my spirit and give my a sense of well being during the hectic days ahead!!!

A few plans for the rest of the week:Tuesday- go over check on mom and dad and do Mom's hair... straighten up around the den and make some final decisions about some odds and end stuff... Wedensday go voer and await the movers
pack the wardrobes with the hang ups and get everything set up in the new place.... take mom and dad on over to the place and get them happily ensconced in their new digs. Wednesday night dinner/ adult Bible Study/ perhaps try to get some things done around here toward the holidays.... rest!

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

My hope for these days!!!

Visit Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook here for more offereings

Turkey Day

2011-11-24T16:59:00.002-05:00

Word FIlled Wednesday

2011-11-23T16:12:00.000-05:00

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Tabletop Tuesday

2011-11-22T16:38:00.001-05:00

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A punch of Christmas is just the thing to get my spirit in gear to get things rolling in this yuletide season.... and the dining room is always the very first place where Christmas can be enjoyed..... usually on the hutch!
That is when I bring out my red transferware collection.....

which just whispers, to me to Haul or the holly!!!!

And Mr. and Mrs. Fox... my dear little British friends who winter over with us each year! They never fail to remind me of Roald Dahl's book, Fantastic Mr. Fox.... This was one of our favorite books to read with Amanda who always cheered so gallantly for Mr. Fox in his endeavors to outsmart the devious bad guy farmers.... she loved to imitate the pups in their cry, ; "Mummie, will there be dogs?"
as their courageous father would venture out of the den and into the night! Such a great story!!!

You can see just how very dapper Mr. Fox truly is!

This simple decor is just enough to help me get excited about wrapping gifts and and addressing cards prior to hauling out the more serious yuletide trappings! So this weekend as I tidy up from Thanksgiving I know just how I will initiate the hanging of the greens and the decking of the halls.... a bit of red and white with a jolly old friend or two... topped off with a lovely cup of Christmas tea and a fresh baked cookie! I can hardly wait!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2011-11-21T20:08:00.001-05:00

FOR TODAY

I cant believe how mild the weather has been for the lat few days... We've opened windows and sat out on the porch... but tonight the rain has come

I am thinking...the same thing as last week... time is dashing by... Mom and Dad will be moving into Assisted living next week... and we have so much to do!!!!!!!

I am thankful.. that my parents are actually looking forward to making this move.... it will be good to have it all behind us and then we can really think about the holidays

In the kitchen...I made a lovely pot of lentil soup today.... so rich and full of savory goodness

I am wearing...my brown slacks and brown and white tee.... today I also wore my brown tweed jacket and got several compliments which was nice....

I am creating.. an organizational tool for keeping track of mom and dad's finances and bills.... oh,,,, I need all the organization I can muster!!

I am going...to be talking to a representative tomorrow about dad's VA benefits... praying that all goes smoothly..... it has to!!! Then soon it will be about Thanksgiving and I want to get into the swing of cooking again... Ive been a bit rusty lately! Although this year it will just be the two of us!

I am wondering...lately I have too much on my mind to have any time to wonder..... maybe next week!

I am reading... I really desire to start reading my Christmas anthology I bought last week..... I love Christmas films and stories.....

I am hoping... to be able to really enjoy Thanksgiving this year..... this really is a year of change for us.... Of course I will be taking left overs to my parents... but the actually meal will be just Lynn and I..... We have never ever been alone for Thanksgiving...even our first year together in 1972 in Germany good friends invited us over... then every year until Amanda came to us we were with the family and actually every year thereafter until Amanda was married and she started having everyone come to er house..... funny to say, it wasnt until Amanda and Joshua moved to Boston 2 years ago that I ever did the whole meal on my own for just Lynn and myself and my parents.... so here Lynn and I will be ... a red letter Thanksgiving for sure!

I am looking forward to..all of the Hallmark Christmas movies this season..... they a re always so well done and uplifting

I am hearing...absolutely nothing..... but the whirring of the computer fan!

Around the house... I am seeing bags of Christmas giftings and decorations and wrapping paper..... I am really hoping to be able to start decorating for Christmas perhaps this weekend, but who knows.... that may have to wait for another week.....

I am pondering...well, I do seem to ponder a lot but it is usually when I awaken in the night and cant go back to sleep because my mind is so busy pondering if the finances are going to last as originally planned or what if this or that then that.....then I remember that nothing is going to take God by surprise and I am able to give it all to him and I find my peace and rest!!!!

One of my favorite things... a nice cup of Christmas tea to calm my spirit and give my a sense of well being during the hectic days ahead!!!

A few plans for the rest of the week:Important business calls gathering imperative information about what we are to be doing in the next few weeks....conference with the Assisted Living establishment .... medical appt for mom with the pain specialist.....take parents to doctor to have their ppd tests read for admission to the new place.... Wednesday night dinner/ adult Bible Study/ wonderful day of celebrating our thankfulness for the riches of God's blessings on our family... help mom and dad pack.... begin taking things over to the new apartment (Pray for my strength during this move.... I just barely able to think of helping Lynn do any small bit of moving and still tire very easily.....)Prayer group at Lynne's for coffee

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

Our prayer group is such an integral part of our church life..... meeting together every w eek is such a blessing to me.... we are learning so much about God and his ways together....

Our friendship is more like true sisterhood in the faith as we practice the "one anothers"...

a bit of heaven here on earth!

Visit Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook here for more offereings

Word Filled Wednesday

2011-11-16T07:15:00.000-05:00

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Tabletop Tuesday

2011-11-15T20:41:00.001-05:00

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Sometimes my autumn mantel pays tribute to my enjoyment of all things medieval and olde world charm...

When we lived in Germany, I feel in love with medieval history and the glorious castles nearby...

I love to read of the gallantry of the knights, plus Ephesians 6 does tell us to don the armor of our spiritual warfare.... so it is nice to contemplate exactly what that entails at times...

Mosaic Monday

2011-11-14T16:32:00.001-05:00

ON Saturday we celebrated a surprise birthday breakfast for our dear friend and prayer sister, Lois, at the swanky, Regency Room of Hotel Roanoke.... I love surprise parties... it is so grand to see the responses on friends faces and the delight in their spirit.... seated you see Lois on left and Colleen on the right..... they a re flanked by Dottie and Lynne in the middle.. the next photo shows Lynne, so happy that she pulled it off. Got Lois to the venue and kept the secret until the very last....Lois is such a marvelous friend and role model to us.... her life is testimony to her faith and trusting the Lord in all things.... as she and her husband dedicated many years of their lives together in ministry all over the country.... today at 80 + years she continues to serve the Lord with gladness and with the hope that is ours in Christ Jesus!

Visit Mary at the Little Red House for more Mosaic Monday!!

The Simple Woman Daybook

2011-11-14T15:59:00.002-05:00

FOR TODAY

Outside my window...our autumn flag is flapping furiously in a mighty afternoon gale... even though the temps are very mild today....

I am thinking...I can not believe how fast time is flying by... where is it going.....
what is the hurry.. is it drifting along on this rushing wind....

I am thankful...for all the blessings of each new day... the knowledge of our Father in heaven who provides and renews, and purposes all good things for us, if we only choose to stay on His path!

In the kitchen...today we had a lovely baked chicken breast leftover that I sliced up with stirfry veggies and rice for our luncheon..... tonight Im thinking a nice chef salad.....

I am wearing...my comfy denim crops and my cozy jammie top... and a sweater... today is the only day we could just stay home and enjoy being comfy!

I am creating...my Christmas planner and creating a spreadsheet to help me in my role as business manager for my parents and their upcoming move...

I am going... to be finalizing the plans for their move this week and begin actually taking possession of their space in their apartment..

I am wondering...why it is so easy to forget that God is a mighty part of every equation we find ourselves in... dealing with many unknown variables and stressing out over details we cannot fathom..... we must keep God at the center of our plans and know that with Him all things are possible and that He is going before us to make the way clear and each decision will be easier to make

I am reading... I have several books by my bed,,, but alas I just cant get into any of them.

I am hoping... that when all of these decisions have finally been made and the work that goes into making them come to pass is behind us there will be peace and joy, and a sense of accomplishment..... with no regrets...

I am looking forward to...Sunday evening..... we have tickets to see a Broadway production of My Fair Lady at the Preforming arts Auditorium... I am so looking forward to it!!!!!!

I am hearing...the hectic to and fro of traffic on the nearby highway....

Around the house...I have bits and pieces of Christmas and autumn decorations gathering here and there.,...now that I know we will be Thanksgiving...ing just the two of us..... I can start Christmassing in earnest

I am pondering...well, to tell the truth... I am so wiped out from figuring and pushing the details envelop over the past few weeks... my pondering is pushed way back on a back burner....

One of my favorite things...Ive said it before and it holds true today... I love to plan and think about how to make the holidays the best ever... how to create memories taht will last a lifetime, just like the wonderful memories of all my Christmasses through the years..one of these days I can plan in earnest too... awww!

A few plans for the rest of the week:Important business calls gathering imperative information about what we are to be doing in the next few weeks....conference with the Assisted Living establishment to sign admissions and take possession of the space...... medical appt for mom with the pain specialist..... Wednesday night dinner/ adult Bible Study/ set up for luncheon .....New Spring Singers choir practice and Senior adult Thanksgiving Luncheon..... Prayer Morning at Lynne's ..... begin taking things over to the new apartment (Pray for my strength during this move.... I just barely able to think of helping Lynn do any small bit of moving and still tire very easily.....)

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

I got to meet with my Prayer Sista's last Saturday morning here at Hotel Roanoke in the Regency Room... We were celebrating the birthday of our wonderful friend and Sister in Christ, Lois.... a glory time..... I;ll be sharing more about it in an upcoming post.

Visit Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook here for more offereings

Skywatch Friday

2011-11-11T14:16:00.001-05:00

An autumn sunset highlighted by a jet trail ....awesome

Check out Skyley for more wonderful photos!

Three or More Tuesday

2011-11-08T15:05:00.002-05:00

Monday was such a grand day.. it was the first day that we could just say... 'hey, wanna go do something fun"... just because we could!!
The sun was glorious and even though the leaves were well past their prime, the bright sun shining on the forests , the hardwood bark glistening ,,,, it was glorious all the same...

We had always heard of Paint Bank, a wide place in the road really right up in the mountains on the West Virginia line... but had never been anywhere near it... so we headed up Rt 311 knowing that we were on an adventure and in store for a treat!

It seemed that the road was on a gradual incline from the very beginning as we traversed a couple of counties . Paint Bank is only 45 miles from home, but the terrain is so remote and the crooked mountain road seemed like it was much further away...

We climbed Catawba Mountain right where the Appalachain Trail passes across the Blue Ridge,

and sailed down in to the gorgeous Catawba Valley but we had hardly left home . We had much further to go!

We continued our uphill climb and the terrain and environs became more and more remote.

After a while we were obviously making a steady, almost grueling climb to the summit after many switch backs and hairpin turns... ears popped and after a time one could only dread the thoughts of such a huge descent we'd be making on our return trip... hoping for good tires and reliable brakes and no one behind us making us all the more nerve wracked...

At 3500 feet the bare limbs of the trees were ghastly skeletons and the whole ambience was changed....

After about 10 miles of steady climbing, we wondered what the descent might hold in store...
yet, we had nothing to worry about for after just a tiny bit of downhill we were there... at a beautiful valley on an apparent plateau... our destination came into view... Paint Bank.. a total of about 4 buildings but oh how marvelous....

ON the one side The Depot Station now a lovely bed and breakfast...

The Old General Store

and the Swinging Bridge Restaurant was on the other...

We hurried inside so happy indeed that they were still serving breakfast....
an adventure like ours will really make a fella and his gal pert near starved!And we could tell the food was going to be terrific!

The decor in the restaurant was completely authentic mountain lodge... we even commented we felt we had crossed the Great Divide and were dining in Colorado at least...
We both had worked up a heapin' big appetite and we werent to be disappointed....
but the ambiance was just so much fun... I dont know if we really filled up on the f ood or the cozy aura of the place..

Even the indoor Johnny was the cutest place...

I loved looking every which way

there was always something to see..
And as we enjoyed our country breakfasts we talked abut dreading the drive back over the mountain so we took out our trusty Virginia State map and discovered by going 45 miles sw from there were, we could reconnect with RT 460 and return home
This would take us through the most gorgeous valleys we, neither of us, had ever seen... right through the heart of Craig and Giles counties with a bit of the Greenbrier thrown in to boot... hunting country extraordinaire!.... Anyway, we were on an adventure...
the scenic byway was exactly that!
Scenic!!!

and it took us by a lovely bridge site Lynn had helped to design years and years ago.... he'd been wanting to see!
The old truss was still standing sentinel by the newer version.

Seeing this made it all worthwhile to dear Lynn who loves a wonderful bridge project!!!
By this time I was ready to nap which I did on the long way home!!!

Tam at The Gypsy's Corner who hosted this theme each week as taken a break but her site is still
archived.

Happy Homemaker Monday

2011-11-07T19:59:00.001-05:00

The Stay at Home Mom hosts this each week.

The weather in my neck of the woods
a bit of a frost morning dawned today.... but it was clear and bright... a perfect day for an autumn drive into the mountains... again...
I love the freedom of retirement and being able to drop everything and hit the road!

Things that make me happy:
spending time with my dear husband.....impromptu times together... adventures really!

Book I'm reading:

I have discovered a pastor from Singapore, Joseph Prince who is on the Word network.... I absolutely love his preaching ... I think he is extremely anointed for these times, and I am privileged to have his new book, Destined to Reign. I am hoping to start Safe Haven, as well, by Nicholas Sparks.
You might notice this hasnt changed but that is because who has time to read or for me... I still cant focus too much on reading yet.... but I want to!!!

What I'm enjoying on TV:
I love The Sing-Off which comes on tonight! I also am entranced a bit my Once Upon a Time on Friday nights and of course, iron Chef on Sunday evenings.

On the menu for dinner:
Wonderful baked pizza and tossed salad.

On my To Do List
Monday- a fabulous day out with my sweetheart
Tuesday- Mom to out patient surgical procedure, both parents for blood check, allergy shot, marketing

Wednesday- ad to cardiologist, a visit for dad to see the Assisted Living home we are looking into and luncheon there ...church dinner and adult study

Special day coming up this week... but can't tell about it yet

New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:
hoping to get into this theme before the holidays anyway!

Looking forward to this week:
It is a full week and looking forward tojust some quiet time here at home
On my mind:

Planning for Turkey day and Christmas!!!!

No words needed (favorite photo or picture, yours or others you want to share):

I took this photo of our home as I was pulling into the driveway this weekend.... just thought our daughter might like to see it and think abut how next month she'll be driving into the driveway herself... happy day!!!!!

Devotions:
Our Model prayer from the Lord

Matthew 6:9-13

9 “This, then, is how you should pray:

“‘Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name,

10 your kingdom come,

your will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven.

11 Give us today our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts,

as we also have forgiven our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from the evil one.’

Tablescape Thursday

2011-11-02T21:23:00.010-04:00

An autumn table sets a tone and a mood for family, sharing, and warm loving fellowship!

This time of year with all the russets, golds and bronze just naturally incorporates itself in the home in rich hues that warm the spirit and delight the eyes... comforting firelight of many candles highlight the essence of warmth and the ambiance of grandeur most fitting of the season and that to come....

The spirit is lifted and naturally the desire to put forth our best effort in dining....

to put our best foot forward... here I am using my heirloom service..on Irish linens...
a lovely transition toward a more yuletide expression with all its pomp and glory...
I love this time of year!!!!

For more TT be sure to stop in at Between Naps on the Porch! You'll be glad you did!!!

Word Filled Wednesday

2011-11-02T09:36:00.002-04:00

Click the above photo to return to Cafe Devotions!
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”Matt28:18-20

Oh, to really know and believe and live our lives doing this will of the Father!!! Our world would be a much more loving, safe, and better place!

Happy Homemaker Monday

2011-10-31T19:33:00.001-04:00

The Stay at Home Mom hosts this each week.

The weather in my neck of the woods
a bit of a frost morning dawned today.... but it was clear and bright

Things that make me happy:
I am so thankfully happy to be so far along in my recovery... I just didnt realize just how badly I had been feeling previous to my surgery... and now to be on the mend and able to drive and get about that makes me very happy!

Book I'm reading:

What I'm enjoying on TV:
I love The Sing-Off which comes on tonight!

On the menu for dinner:
I love left overs, especially when the left over is a lovely pot of veggie soup..... we finished taht off tonight..

On my To Do List
Monday- Bible Study, a bit of craft shopping, reading

Tuesday- allergy shot, conference call regarding an important family issue... a lot rides on this call so I do ask prayer from anyone who reads this..

Wednesday- marketing ...church dinner and adult study
the rst of my week is an open page but Im sure I'll find some lovely things to fill days...

New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:
hoping to get into this theme before the holidays anyway!

Looking forward to this week:
Really looking forward to some days to just catch up and get things done that have been needed doing for some time but there was NO time!

On my mind:

Christmas!

No words needed (favorite photo or picture, yours or others you want to share):

Devotions:

Jeremiah 29:11

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Organize for Christmas

2011-10-30T19:16:00.001-04:00

For me if Im not completely ready for Christmas by December then I can really get stressed...so with 32 days to go til December it makes sense for me for get organized with a good Christmas calendar... you wouldnt believe how mu calendar fills up anyway in an ordinary month... but the holidays are especially crucial and I certainly dont want to miss any of the marvelous activities that are available to me...just took a cursory glance at my December calendar and I can already tell i am almost behind in planning!
Better get at it! To help me I have found the most delightful and beneficial site...Organized Christmas!
This site is choke full of helps to make Christmas not only heart felt but organized which is going to be a new concept to me....

BTW! This is the cutest site to demonstrate how to make your own Christmas planner. I cant wait to go to Michael's in the morning to stock up on some supplies!
The Christmas Planner

Anticipation

2011-10-30T16:19:00.001-04:00

Alright, I realize that it isnt Christmas yet... my goodness, it isnt even Thanksgiving.... but I love the yuletide season so much I am thinking Christmas all the same.... and am so joyful this season having my surgery behind me and feeling better everyday... that I am very expectant.... and am just thinking homey thoughts of baking and decorating and planning... so I am dedicating this new themed blog destination as my go to place to anticipate.... I am fairly exploding with excitement...

Happy Birthday

2011-10-28T17:05:00.003-04:00

Today is Lynn's birthday...and I had been looking forward way before his retirement to taking him for luncheon at the White Oak Tavern.... This is a favorite of all of my gal pals but I know that manly men could enjoy good food and lovely ambiance as well....But with one thing or another we just hadn't had time or any opportunity to go... and not that we had to use it, our diner's club coupon for the Tavern was expiring this weekend... so I set my mind to getting him there today!

Of course, the coldest day of the season with threat of sleet and worse loomed before us, but all in all, the prospect of a lovely afternoon with my sweetheart at a favorite destination urged me on!

Today there was a cozy fire in the grate and we were seated right next to the fireplace just the place to knock off the damp chill..

Lynn had the honors of choosing our tea for the day ... wild blueberry set to steep for the full five minutes...

but I took control of the ordering and we both enjoyed the cranberry almondine chicken salad topped with pecans served with fresh baked bread ready for dipping in the marvelously tangy balsamic vinaigrette..

We gals were told by the proprietor that this signature chicken salad has over 15 ingredients that makes it so scrumptious... all I know is it is perfection..

and Lynn didnt waste any time plunging right in up to his shirt sleeves.... it was hard there for a while to remember to chat...but after a while it as just lovely to sit and enjoy our cups of warm tea

and soak in the environs.... gloriously The Celtic Women serenaded us the while, it was like being enveloped in a great bear hug of love and contentment!
It was a very happy birthday!

Pink Saturday

2011-10-28T12:06:00.000-04:00

Happy Pink Saturday!
This Saturday I am celebrating autumn in my life... gorgeous venues of autumn that bless me including decorations in our home autumn parties with friends, and scenery nearby...

Autumn does put me right into the Pinkest mood!
For more Pink Saturday visit Beverly of How Sweet the Sound!

Skywatch Friday

2011-10-28T10:28:00.003-04:00

Today I am sharing a sky from the day my husband and I traveled back down the Shenandoah Valley... and there by the road was a lovely farm house that registered sweet memories in me.... this home looks so much like my grand dad's home he built in 1920 to bring his bride home to after World War I. This sky was heavy with rain, but the photo is heavy with lovely heart-felt memories!

Check out Skyley for more wonderful photos!

Our Magnificent Outing

2011-10-27T20:08:00.002-04:00

Today we had such a fun ride up in to the mountains to the quaint country town of Floyd, Virginia. We met Dottie at her gorgeous home on the way... then we were hit the road!

Our mission was to visit the local hardware and see about purchasing a Foley food mill,,, but alas, the price was about double what I wanted to pay....

but we enjoyed our luncheon at the Odd Fellow's Hall.

I love how we drank our water from canning jars...
I had a quesadilla and Dottie had a taco..

The stage nearby was begging for an entertainer... but alas neither of us were prepared to sing today....
We stopped in at the local fabric shop and we each had a blast purchasing the perfect items for our perspective nests. I bought table cloth fabric... as usual.
Then we were driving back towards home but first stopped in at the roadside market..

known for its hand dipped creamery ice cream.. I bought a blue pumpkin and and we sat on the wrap around porch as we enjoyed our cones....

The chickens across the road performed dutifully for us... it was quite entertaining

Soon we were heading back down the mountain with dreams of how we would create new items for our home and with very happy tummies... for me it was such a grand day for sharing with my friend and enjoying God's magnificent world in autumn.

Tablescape Thursday

2011-10-27T18:02:00.000-04:00

Today my friend Dottie and I traveled up the mountain to the quaint country town of Floyd. I love to visit there because of the cosy country ambiance of the small town hardware and fabric shops. Today I was particularly excited about looking for some fabric to play against my new black transferware... and I found a lovely black and white check!
I bought just enough for my sunroom table ..

Imagine my delight when I also found this adorable grey blue pumpkin at the country market!

I love the manner in which it all sets off the fabulous black and white design in the Royal Stafford stoneware, The Herdsman.

The autumn leaves are just the pop to make this simple, fresh, yet seasonal combination sing!

Im loving my new checked backdrop that allows the special autumn pieces to hold center stage yet unifies and sets a very homey ambiance for our family dinners..
For more TT be sure to stop in at Between Naps on the Porch! You'll be glad you did!!!

Thankful Thursday

2011-10-27T08:16:00.000-04:00

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving,

and his courts with praise!

Give thanks to him; bless his name”

~ Psalm 100:4 (NIV)

I am so thankful today to be on this side of my surgery experience.... God has seen me through every day, every frightful moment and every joy along the way.... I know that without Him I would have faltered and been beyond reconciling but with Him I have basically floated above the whole situation. I am thankful for good friends, like Dottie,, which whom I am going on a little road trip this morning.... up into the mountains to a little country town... I'm on a mission to find a particular food mill I know they have sold before at the local hardware there...then Dottie and I are dining at the Odd Fellows hall.... Oh, how I have thought about being able to get out and drive and see something of the lovely autumn around me.. and it seemed that the days just stood still as I lay pretty much flat on my back.... but today I am driving! Yes it is a very thankful Thursday and I am singing joyful praises to my God and King!

Wednesday Ponderings

2011-10-26T11:14:00.000-04:00

A stroll down a country lane is a perfect venue for my Wednesday ponderings....

The last couple of weeks I have had a lot to ponder.... mainly centered around one main topic.... getting my parents into Assisted Living.... I suppose that all only children like myself , if they are fortunate to have their parents live to ripe age, will come to this place in tier family life.... My parents had been adamant all these years that they refused to leave their family home... and we are so grateful that the Lord has blessed their lives to be able to do that for all these years. But at age 88 and 92 their family doctor recommended that now it is time to consider Assisted living and praise, they are not only ready to, they a re anxious to make the move.... the problem is.... am I ready to jump in the mix and do all the things that will be necessary to make this happen.... the paperwork and preliminary meetings with banking, medical, Veterans, offices, realtor, and downsizing, fixing up and selling the home... it is overwhelming to say the least.... but as I have pondered this I realize that like Lynn told me.... how does one eat an elephant?? One bite at a time.... but my greatest resource is my wondeful Father in heaven whom I trust to go before me, guiding me and providing for me every step of the way....

Word Filled Wednesday

2011-10-26T09:42:00.000-04:00

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Table Top Tuesday

2011-10-26T06:24:00.001-04:00

Click to photo above to visit our host and enjoy more vignettes!

Autumn makes its appearance with each simple glance around the room!

Happy Homemaker Monday

2011-10-24T17:16:00.001-04:00

The Stay at Home Mom hosts this each week.

The weather in my neck of the woods
another marvelous autumn day... the temps hanging right in there a tad below 70.... my kind of day!

Things that make me happy:
spontaneous adventures with my newly retired husband... now that I am recovering from my surgery... I love the new found freedom!

Book I'm reading:

What I'm enjoying on TV:
I enjoyed the Storybook show that came on last night,,, I have no idea what the name of it is.... and I love The Sing-Off which comes on tonight!

On the menu for dinner:
Dearest Lynn has been such a blessing to me... He's been taking care of all the meals this past month. He was sharing just a few minutes ago with me that we'd be having crab cakes, corn, and tossed salad!

On my To Do List
Monday- Eye doctor, banking, marketing, and visit my parents
Tuesday- allergy shot, shopping, laundry

Wednesday- follow up with my surgeon...church dinner and adult study
Thursday-day out with Dottie.. luncheon in Floyd...
Friday...Lynn's Birthday
Saturday... Sunday School class dining out at the Bedford Train Station.....

New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:
hoping to get into this theme before the holidays anyway!

Looking forward to this week:
I look forward to Lynn's birthday..... and the wonderful adventure with our SS class to the train station in Bedford..... fabulous food and fun fellowship

No words needed (favorite photo or picture, yours or others you want to share):

Devotions:

Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Acts2: 46-47

Word FIlled Wednesday

2011-10-19T16:47:00.000-04:00

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Ruby Tuesday

2011-10-18T15:14:00.000-04:00

An autumn breakfast on a sunny porch is just the red that cheers me most these days.... my idea of having breakfast out! All provided for me by my dear sweetie!!!!
For more reds visit our host, Mary.. Always a blogging treat to visit her site!

Table Top Tuesday

2011-10-18T15:06:00.001-04:00

Click to photo above to visit our host and enjoy more vignettes!

This seasonal vignette is something, like it or not , that distinguishes and personalizes my living space.

First of all, I love this wall mount... it reminds me of a quiver or definitely something olde world, medieval which is the inspiration throughout my living area... It is so fun to decorate it seasonally, but emphasis is always on using elements that are natural and wordsy, as would be available in days of yore!This year I am pairing it with the bird theme arranged on the table..

as compared to the much more classical approach of last year!

A bit of whimsy just seems the thing to me to keep my spirits lifted and my heart singing with the birds!

Mosaic Monday

2011-10-17T18:31:00.001-04:00

Visit Mary at the Little Red House for more Mosaic Monday!!

Happy Homemaker Monday

2011-10-17T13:05:00.003-04:00

The Stay at Home Mom hosts this each week.

The weather in my neck of the woods
an amazingly gorgeous autumn day.... clear, crisp , bright
Things that make me happy

spending time with my dear husband... I love having him home with me now that he is retired!!

Book I'm reading:

Safer Haven, by Nicholas Sparks

What I'm enjoying on TV:
Being laid up since my surgery I have been watching tv and really enjoy the show that will air again tonight , The Sing-Off. I find it touching and quite uplifting to see these young people give their all to their performance and their talent

On the menu for dinner:
chicken salad, broccoli, and tossed salad

On my To Do List
Monday-mom and dad to the doctor, me to allergy doctor
Tuesday-marketing, allergy shot
Wednesday- church dinner and adult study
Thursday-to be announced

New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:
hoping to get into this theme before the holidays anyway!

Looking forward to this week:
this is week 5 following my surgery and I can tell I am getting stronger and more able to do things....

just being able to resume things around the house is a lovely thing
No words needed (favorite photo or picture, yours or others you want to share):

I love the mystery and delight of God's autumn creation!

On my mind:
Today at the doctor with my mother, it finally was demonstrated to her that it is time for assisted living... I am now praying for the Holy Spirit to guide me as I look in to this change for the my parents... to give me encouraging words that will satisfy their unrest, and together we can move into this new area of life painlessly and with all good results

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verse

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11

Skywatch Friday

2011-10-14T08:43:00.003-04:00

As storm clouds gather all about us it is a great reminder that Jesus Christ is always there!

Check out Skyley for more wonderful photos!

Tablescape Thursday

2011-10-12T16:48:00.002-04:00

Ever since last year when I bought one plate at the consignment shop

and put this table top together, I had longed for a set of this dinnerware, but didnt know the name of the pattern.....

All I knew it was Royal Stafford Stoneware...so for the next 10 months I went on a pilgrimage to locate the name and find more pieces...

but sadly even when I looked on Replacements the list of unnamed patterns that were simply numbered was daunting... until one day in the spring when I forced myself to sift through every one of them and then finally.....
I discovered not only the name, but that Replacements had several pieces... so I ordered 6 plates and gave the information to my daughter so she could order some for me and have shipped home for Christmas.... an easy way for her to buy my present and get it to me, and I am so delighted!!!!!
Last week 6 plates arrived...

This pattern, The Herdsman, just speaks to the Anglophile in me...

The Herdsman, leading his flock of sheep up through the quaint village... the crenellated towers of church and cozy cottages beackoning weary travelers to stop in for a warming cup of tea.... the pattern with its fruited motif around the rim just begs a rustic harvest table...

My dear black sheep is delighted to grace the table now!

For more TT be sure to stop in at Between Naps on the Porch! You'll be glad you did!!!

Word FIlled Wednesday

2011-10-12T08:08:00.003-04:00

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Three or More Tuesday

2011-10-11T17:54:00.000-04:00

This autumn surprise awed us this past month.. The ground all around our newly planted maple tree was exploding with amazing formations of all shapes and sizes....

Tam at The Gypsy's Corner who hosted this theme each week as taken a break but her site is still
archived.

Table Top Tuesday

2011-10-11T12:54:00.001-04:00

Click to photo above to visit our host and enjoy more vignettes!

A bit of fiery autumn found its way up on the mantel this week!

I may be behind in the world of decorating.. not surprisingly, but I do love these lighted twigs available now to add that sparkly ambiance...

I love just pulling out the summer colors and mixing in a few leaves to make way for harvest glory!

No spring nor summer beauty hath such grace as I have seen in one autumnal face~
John Donne

Monday Homemaker

2011-10-10T19:56:00.000-04:00

The Stay at Home Mom hosts this each week.

The weather in my neck of the woods
an amazingly gorgeous autumn day since very early this morning... my very favorite kind of day

Things that make me happy:
Visiting with friends online and in person... I do have my webcam now and it is such great fun to video chat across the miles, and today marks one month since my surgery and I was feeling good enough to meet with my Monday morning Bible Study gals for breakfast.... oh it was so great to spend some time out with them..

Book I'm reading:

On my To Do List
Monday-since my doctor last told me I should be moving around and doing a few things as able I was so privileged to join my Bible Study gals for breakfast this morning...
then I enjoyed working on the blog
Tuesday-marketing, all else is contingent on my ability and desire!
Wednesday- take mom to the doctor , meeting at church for mercy ministry, church dinner- adult Bible Study
Thursday- Senior trip up the Shenandoah Valley

Friday- rest
Saturday- Prayer Chapel

New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:
hoping to get into this theme before the holidays anyway!

Looking forward to this week:
I am very much looking forward to the trip up the valley. I have been thinking about it ever since my surgery... setting this day as my goal for being well improved... We are driving our car to lessen my discomfort and when I am tired we can come home!

No words needed (favorite photo or picture, yours or others you want to share):

Last fall I chanced to find this wonderful plate in my favorite consignment shop and I bought it mainly because I love transfer ware and because it is Olde English motif with sheep... I adore sheep! I thought it was wonderful as a fall decoration..... but over time I feel so in love with the pattern I was determined to get more... I finally discovered that it is Royal Stafford Stonewear entitled, The Herdsman... and I was fortunate enough to find more on Replacements... I ordered 6 plates a couple of weeks ago as a reward to myself for being a brave gal.... and I got them last week!

On my mind:
It is interesting that the Lord has brought Lynn and I to this place with this health issue standing in the way of being able to move forward in the manner in which we had heretofore planned.... We never know from one week to the next what we will really be doing... the best laid plans of men..... but I know that in God's master plan He is preparing us for the next step in our lives.... teaching us about faith and how he provides and takes care of us.... how to trust Him more.... so this is a very exciting time in our lives!
I am still so excited by this that I am keeping this response up again this week... as now we are on the other side of the issue and I see how much closer we are because of the ordeal.... God's ways are wondrous and much higher than our ways...

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verse

Mosaic Monday

2011-10-10T08:44:00.002-04:00

AS I reminisce about this excursion down the Blue Ridge Parkway a couple of years ago so many memories flood me... being a country girl raised in the city, my roots definitely resonate in the mountains, spending time with my grandparents nearby Maybry Mill... there is a certain fragrance... a certain homey attachment to returning to the mountains, especially in autumn.... the crispy chill in the air, the moisture, the smell of wood smoke, the sudden quiet except for the rustle of leaves, it all speaks peace, love, and tradition to my heart....I'd love for some of this today.... until then I will reflect and absorb through my memories!
Visit Mary at the Little Red House for more Mosaic Monday!!

Red Letter Day

2011-10-09T09:48:00.000-04:00

Today I am going back to Sunday School for the first time in a month.... I am so excited .... as I sit here putting on makeup and trying to overlook the twinge of surgical pain that I suppose will continue to plague me a while longer.... it is glorious and a testimony to my Lord that I am able to get dressed up a bit and prepare to go join God's family around His Word and to fellowship together... I have missed this so much!

I dont quite feel that I could take the whole church service, but to walk in the Sunday School room and absorb the love of my friends and and the teaching from Hebrews is thrilling to me this morning....I am flooded with grateful emotions as I consider all of the generous acts of love and healing my friends have done for me over the last month... all the prayers, cards of encouragement and 16 delicious different meals provided... I am humbled by their love and kindness... I have definitely learned that it is by the hands of His children that God is able to demonstrate his love to us and I need to be much more forthcoming in my obedience to the Spirit's call to do for my fellow man.. with makeup on and Bible in hand... I excitedly step out and regain my wonderful life, one step at a time!

Pink Saturday

2011-10-08T08:09:00.000-04:00

Happy Pink Saturday!

I love how all I have to do to get my pink fix today is to step out my back door.... when the mum's are blooming,, Im one happy gal!.

their vibrant pink-ness delights the eye and warms the heart..

For more Pink Saturday visit Beverly of How Sweet the Sound!

QUestion of the Day

2011-10-07T21:49:00.001-04:00

Today's question has to do with my blog during the past few weeks. I know I havent been posting as regularly as I had in the past.... I have all kinds of ideas dancing in my mind to blog about, but just havent had the fortitude to actually make it happen.. I have ideas for things to photograph with the advancing autumn days but havent had the opportunity to go out and take pictures... everytime I attempt to pen a post the words still fall out in a jumble... blame it on the anesthesia... perhaps, they say it takes time to clear the head... or maybe its the pain meds.... I know that this has been a time I would have loved to read a book, but I just cant seem to focus on the words.... I have perused a magazine or two, but only the lovely photographs... I apologize to my followers for being so absent...I see that many of the most dedicated of you are checking in with me daily and I am sorry there is very little here to make a visit worthwhile... and I am terribly sorry to see that I have actually lost a couple of followers this week. I am happy to say though that I do think I have turned a corner in my recovery... I am feeling not so woozy and a bit stronger... everything is healing nicely and on time....and I praise God for His help all along the way these past 3 weeks... I will admit to anyone reading this that over the past 15 years I had suspected that I may have to undergo this surgery... and the prospect terrified me... an open abdominal surgery for a larger gal is not something to take lightly.... and these weeks have not been easy.... but praise God for His faithfulness... His love, His presence,,,, by His grace the I am recovering nicely and He has been my strength.... I cant take any of the credit.... He took my fear and turned it into overcoming... so I sat here tonight and asked my self the question....what must it be that draws others to stop in and visit here at Wings of Eagles? Let me first of all say I am touched and very pleased by all the visits and especially the sweet comments I receive.... you all bless me very much.... this blog is an online journal of my life experiences and the spiritual gleanings along the way... when inspired to share something I find fascinating, lovely or inspiring I try to do that.. and it is an amazing gift when I connect with like minded friends along the way who visit here....it is my prayer that those who visit regularly will accept my situation with grace and give me the time I need to be able to offer posts that I think are worthwhile and substantial.... perhaps I will be up to more posting next week... that marks a month of recovery and perhaps I will be up to allowing the creative juices to flow.... many many thanks to those of you who are biding along with me and I promise I will not let you down... for when i do return in earnest... I believe it will be much to think on and enjoy! God bless you until next week!
Carolyn

Word Filled Wednesday

2011-10-05T07:45:00.001-04:00

Click the above photo to return to Cafe Devotions!
If there is one thing I have learned during this time of physical trial, suffering, and recovery, it is a much clearer knowledge of my wonderful Creator, Provider, and the Lover of my soul. God has been my Rock, my Strong Tower, my ever present help and His love is boundless! When I have faltered He is there, when I was fearful, He sustains me, when I questioned, His answers are swift... Praise the Lord for trouble,,, for it brings Him in to focus and builds the faith and trust... Oh, how I love Jesus, because he first loved me!

Simple Pleasures

2011-09-29T11:41:00.001-04:00

I retired from teaching eight years ago,,, man taht makes me feel like Im older than dirt, but at 61 , I am told time and again, it's only a number ! HEHEHEHE. Anyway, old or not, I have longed for the day that my dear husband would join me in retirement and finally, he has,, only to find me laid up and infirm this first month.... but praise God for His perfect timing that I had Lynn here with me to take care of me.... but then yesterday, such a lovely autumn day... I felt good enough to do something I had long wished for... to take our breakfast on the veranda on a weekday...lovely

a very satisfying and sweetly simple pleasure!
Well, I attempted to link back to the host blog I discovered that last week concluded this sweet theme... but you wills till be blessed to

visit this lovely blog, A Collection of This and That by Dayle who hosted this great theme each week.

Word FIlled Wednesday

2011-09-28T16:30:00.001-04:00

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Exodus 23:16
“Celebrate the Festival of Harvest with the firstfruits of the crops you sow in your field.
“Celebrate the Festival of Ingathering at the end of the year, when you gather in your crops from the field.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2011-09-26T15:05:00.000-04:00

Peggy's The Simple Woman's Daybook along with other daybooks can be found here!

FOR TODAY September 26, 2011
Outside my window....
a rather gray, cool day has been the Lord's gift to me... this is exactly the kind of day that suits me best when I am in recuperation mode... it is as if everything is just resting and waiting for the powers taht be to say... ok, Carolyn... get going.... for now... I'm content to just rest quietly.

I am thinking...
now that it is day 13 of my recuperation from surgery, I am noticing several changes.... I do still think I'm improving a little more each day, and I am so thankful of God's provision of the great report and His ever present help along the trying early days following surgery...but little things occur during this lengthy process that seem to give me pause to wonder.... oh, if only I could keep my focus on my redeemer!!!
In the kitchen..o.h my goodness,, in my kitchen are the blessed gifts of so many wonderful brothers and sisters in Christ... soups, and delicious dishes, casseroles, fruits, veggies, desserts.... wholesome comforting and healthy made by loving hands and delivered with such sweet loving friends..... my kitchen has never ever been so blessed!

I am wearing..my pink and white striped tee and shorts today.... comfy is still the word for fashion

I am creating... not much... but in my mind's eye, I am imagining a day when all my pain and aggravation that I have had over the past few months will be gone and I will be feeling better than I have in a very long time!

I am going...to have what I believe to be my final followup with the surgeon at week's end That is something to look forward to!!!

I am wondering...how marvelous it is going to be when all of this is a distant memory and I can evaluate my self and say wow, I feel better than I have in years!!!

I am reading...still cant focus too much yet...but I do hope soon, because I have a huge reading wish lsit

I am hearing...Lynn in his office listening to RUSH talk radio... this is what I have been looking forward to for so long... Lynn happy here at home as he is now fully retired from work....

I am pondering... yippee, with my lack of interest in eating lately I have lost 13 pounds in the past couple of weeks... Im pondering Ok now how can I structure this new appetite to be ongoing.... sounds like a plan to me!

One of my favorite things...
a cup of green tea and a slice of black walnut cake.... a wonderful cake my SUnday School teacher's wife made and brought me.... now that is a taste that propels me with into holiday daydreaming.... a lovely pastime!

A few plans for the rest of the week:

recovering a little bit more each day
keeping up with Beth Moore's Inheritance Study thanks to my dear Sista, Lynne, for helping me not get behind
writing thank you notes that hopefully tell how appreciative I am to everyone
returning to the doctor's office later in the week.

Here is picture I am sharing...

I may have been lying flat on my back soon after I returned home for the hospital, but a most welcome sight was our daughter smiling down a t me.... back to her home near Boston now, today is a red letter day for her.. she started her new job today in Cambridge in a science lab.... can't wait to hear how it all panned out....this is quite an adventure fro her not eh work but the commute and the details of working rather far from home... no problem she has always been my little adverturer.... just all very exciting for her, Im sure.

Today, Wednesday

2011-09-21T14:47:00.000-04:00

has been a difficult day... I am better now... but I do ask for continued prayers for uncomplicated recovery healing and rest!!! Thank you to all who visit here and I pray God's blessing on you!

Word Filled Wednesday

2011-09-21T14:24:00.003-04:00

Click the above photo to return to Cafe Devotions!
Psalm 91 1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.[a]
2 I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.” 3 Surely he will save you
from the fowler’s snare
and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
5 You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.
8 You will only observe with your eyes
and see the punishment of the wicked.
9 If you say, “The LORD is my refuge,”
and you make the Most High your dwelling,
10 no harm will overtake you,
no disaster will come near your tent.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;
12 they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread on the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
14 “Because he[b] loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
15 He will call on me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him
and show him my salvation.”

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2011-09-19T11:43:00.000-04:00

Peggy's The Simple Woman's Daybook along with other daybooks can be found here!

FOR TODAY September 19, 2011
Outside my window....
A very cool and dark day is drawing me to the window... but I do enjoy the peacefulness of such days..... but I dont feel exactly like tasting the damp air quite yet
I am thinking... wow..... I have been home from the hospital now since Thursday evening.... having had a total hysterectomy because of a uterine tumor, last Tuesday, I am amazed at how I have gotten along
I am thankful...for so many blessings!!! Firstly, that we moved the surgery up a week and I am this far along to recovery... otherwise I was expecting to have had it tomorrow... Thankful that it worked out that Amanda would be here with me the week of the surgery and was able to see me here at home a couple of days after I came home.. little blessings form God along the way that demonstrated his faithfulness, provision, and love for me and proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that if I put my total trust in Him, that all things will work for my good!

In the kitchen..o.h my goodness,, in my kitchen are the blessed gifts of so many wonderful brothers and sisters in Christ... soups, and delicious dishes, casseroles, fruits, veggies, desserts.... wholesome comforting and healthy made by loving hands and delivered with such sweet loving friends..... my kitchen has never ever been so blessed!

I am wearing..ice warm soft black knit slacks and a comfy tee

I am creating... not much... but in my mind's eye, I am imagining a day when all my pain and aggravation that I have had over the past few months will be gone and I will be feeling better than I have in a very long time!

I am going...to be getting a call today with a pathology report.... I am expecting a good report based on what the surgeon said.... but prayers are requested, too.

I am wondering...about how God works... we know from His word that His ways are higher than our ways,,, His wonders to perform... and he does perform such wonders it is a blessing to be able to look beyond circumstances and see His hand at work.... in the details... and as He uses others to demonstrate His love to us..... in such ways that are unbelievable,,, sweet, sometimes humorous, and always awesome!

I am reading...Can not focus to read anything lately except the 3 page directive from my physician... hoping to stay on course for the best recovery I can!

I am hearing...Albert, the white standard poodle next door.... he is greeting me with his usual, " boof,, woo woo woo woof!"

I am pondering... well, one thing I am learning during this healing process,, the less pondering I do,, the better off I am... letting go and allowing God to work in my life ... letting him drive while I sit back and enjoy the ride..that is best for me right now!

One of my favorite things...
remembering just how sweet people have been this week.... foremost, Lynn my dear husband, and caretaker.... thankful too, that God's timing is perfect... he retired from work one day before I went to the hospital...Amanda's ministrations last week were so dear.... to see her in her take care of mom mode... such a blessing and touched me deeply.... church friends,,,, who have called, visited, given food, prayed.... allowed God to show His love for me through their acts of kindness and generosity.... wow have I learned so much about how bad I have been in this area...... I am not heaping condemnation on myself really but I have learned how much it does matter being the happy recipient of all of this and I know now how lacking I have been been ....
online friends who have touched me even from afar... I have friends I have only met through face book, blogging, and Mitford, a wonderful bulletin board from the Mitford book series.... yet God has used these wonderful folks to shower me with blessings of friendship, compassion, and love in spectacular ways..... I wont go into it here, but I must give some credit to some folks, my sweet young friend in Florida who lifted my in prayer along the way, but my dear friend Kevin in the Uk showered me with an amazing facebook gift that blew my socks off so unexpected and so dear!!!! Ivan, who lives in Sweden has prayed for me every day and and if anyone knows my friendship with Ivan that is so tremendous....Allan, my dear brother in Christ in Illinois has blessed me with his dear friendship and encouragement all throughout this process with scriptures and quotes and just his special humor that keeps me looking up... prayers and thoughtful blessings form the "Hedge" friends.. getting webcam visits from Nora in England.... The Chambers family in Northern Ireland.....how much like family they a re to me.... so much fun and how each have brightened each day! my online life is awesome! God has brought such fabulous friends into my life hand picked just for me!
A few plans for the rest of the week:

recovering a little bit more each day
keeping up with Beth Moore's Inheritance Study thanks to my dear Sista, Lynne, for helping me not get behind
writing thank you notes that hopefully tell how appreciative I am to everyone
returning to the doctor's office on Thursday for my followup

Here is picture I am sharing...

This is a small goal I have set for myself.. I m looking so forward to getting out into the world.... to see God's magnificent creation.....
to take a ride with my retired husband.. to set out in the car with no particular place to go just ride and see something new.... experience freedom and a new beginning in our lives are a newly retired couple... that is what I have looked forward to for so long and even though the Lord placed this hurdle in my life to prolong this for a time... obviously there is something here for me to know about Him as we move forward into this new phase of our lives.....